I know that often, even if you're interested in self defense and avoiding crime, your family or loved ones may not be. This is quite natural. We each have our own passions and interests.

What worries me though (and it probably worries you too), is that without a few self defense basics and a bit of background knowledge, those disinterested family members or dear friends are SO vulnerable. Even though it's highly unrealistic, I wish EVERYONE could be forced (!) to learn a few moves or tips to avoid crime.

Perhaps what's needed are a few basic concepts that can increase someone's knowledge without requiring a long term commitment to training in self protection.

Here Are 10 Self Defense Basics You Can Learn Or Share With A Loved One

1. Improve your awarenessI've already spoken about this skill on
my Awareness page but since it's probably the most important of all the self defense basics, it's worth mentioning again (and this won't be the last time either!). Learning to look around and be conscious of the people and vehicles
nearby is crucial for staying safe.

This is a skill that is so simple
on the one hand, but also has such depth. After learning to be more
aware, you can go on refining this skill for years and continue to
improve upon it. Strangely enough, criminals may be the MOST aware of
all of us! Their lives often depend on being aware of their
surroundings. Avoiding the other gangster who is out to get them or
constantly hiding from the cops really hones their skills to a fine
point!

2. Set aside your ego and AVOID confrontationsThis
can be very tough to learn for young males in their teens and early
twenties. Fortunately, women are usually excellent at this. That's a
good thing, since women are more vulnerable to criminal attack from
violent men. A horrific number of people (usually men) let their egos
and emotions get them into serious trouble. This is often in a bar or
nightclub situation where alcohol is being consumed. Learning to swallow
your pride and walk away from these potentially deadly situations will
protect you from 90% of the violence out there in your city.

3. Carry pepper spray

Your
mom, younger brother and even your grandma can and should carry a can
of high quality pepper spray. I recommend the Sabre Red or Fox Labs
brands, since they are so highly regarded by those in the self defense
training community. Be absolutely sure that you (or your grandma!)
carries their pepper spray in a very accessible place. It won't do ANY
good if it's at the bottom of her LARGE handbag! Clip it to the strap of
the bag or car keys. Better yet, clip it to your belt or clothing so
that it's always quickly accessible.

4. Consider carrying a more serious weaponThis
one is tough for some people, especially those who aren't even
interested in learning self defense basics. For some people though, it
may be the perfect solution for dealing with crime. If you or a family
member is willing, buy a simple folding knife from Spyderco or Cold
Steel and clip it to your pants or waistband. Give some serious thought
to how you'd use it if your life is ever in danger.

Get used to the idea
of cutting or stabbing a criminal if you have to do it to survive.
Carrying a blade and being WILLING to use it may be one of the most
effective steps you can take to improve your safety. However, I do
realise that this tip is not going to suit everyone.

5. Avoid "Road Rage"Road
rage has to be one of the most dangerous activities that normal, law
abiding people engage in. I understand how infuriating it can be on the
roads, with bad drivers, slow traffic and the constant pressure of
getting to work on time. It's so important to understand that a simple
road rage situation can turn deadly in seconds. You never know who that
other person is or what they are willing to do to you to prove a point.
There are some crazy people in this world. Innocent drivers are
routinely shot, stabbed or run off the road in these situations. Be
careful out there!

6. Avoid Stupid People, Stupid places and stupid timesThis
advice definitely falls under "Self defense basics" and yet it is
frequently ignored by those who would benefit from it the most.

“Stupid
people” are those who attract violence by getting you into dangerous
situations. Again, this is usually referring to young men and the
drunken bar or nightclub scene. It could also refer to any friend or
even a family member who always seems to find trouble. Avoid them, even
if it means cutting ties with someone you have known your whole life.

“Stupid Places” are places where violence occurs frequently. Bars and
nightclubs are again at the top of that list, but dark alleyways, inner
city areas, lonely parks or parking lots at night also fit this
definition. Use your brain here. Most of us know where the dangerous
places are, but we choose to ignore our instincts.

"Stupid Times"
are usually at night. We all know that the criminal element likes to
operate at night. There are many reasons for this, but all you need to
remember is that anytime you're out at night, you are at increased risk
of criminal attack. Convenience stores, gas stations and 24 hour ATM
machines are all HIGH RISK places to visit during the night time hours.
The later you are out, the greater the danger.

7. Keep your doors lockedI
am referring to the doors to your home AND your car doors. Many home
invasions robberies, kidnappings and even murders could have been
avoided completely by simply remembering one of the self defense basics that every child has learned growing up: Lock the doors!

Vehicle hijackings, rapes and abductions can be avoided
by locking your car doors as soon as you get in and keeping them locked
when stopped at traffic lights or stop streets. The same goes for car
windows. Keep them rolled up, even on hot days. If your car doesn't have
air conditioning, either suffer in silence (!) or get a decent system
for your car. This tip alone could save your life one day.

8. Beware of beggars on the streetI think that most people are unaware of the risk posed by beggars or homeless people.

A huge number of homeless people are on drugs or drunk on alcohol.
These substances break down people's inhibitions and dull their
feelings of empathy. Many of them are so desperate for their next drink
or hit of drugs that they are willing to use extreme violence to get it.
That moment when you reach into your wallet for a small "donation" or
look down to give them the time is one of most vulnerable situations you
could ever put yourself in.

It's a common trick to distract a
victim by asking for "some change" or "the time", and then punching or
stabbing them when they look down. Once the victim is unconscious or in
a state of shock, it's easy to take their money and escape. Knowing about this tactic will help you notice when someone tries to use it against you, but you also need another of the ten self defense basics to really have the best chance of avoiding this kind of crime...

9. ...Watch your personal spaceAn
essential part of any criminal attack is closing distance with the
victim. The criminal has to close that distance between you and him
before he can punch, stab or grab you. As I see it, he has 2 choices. He
can:

Wait for you to come closer to him, by hiding in a doorway or other concealed location

Move closer to you, usually by employing a "ruse" or trick of some kind.

The
first way can be defeated by making sure that you're aware of your
surroundings and looking out for suspicious people. The second method
can be tougher to combat. Criminals are EXPERTS at deceiving their
victims. There are numerous ways they can trick you into allowing them
to come closer.

Having said that, you can EASILY learn to spot
this setup. Just keep in mind, that whenever a stranger in public tries
to get closer to you and engage you in some kind of conversation, they
are either trying to get something from you...

In an innocent way (the time, your change or perhaps by trying to sell you something)

Using violence or the threat of violence (a robbery or mugging situation)

To
avoid danger, simply be very suspicious of ANY stranger that approaches
you for ANY reason while you’re out in public. They MAY have good
intentions, but they may also be trying to trick you into allowing them
to get close enough for an attack. Beware!

10. Give some serious thought to your own safety and survivalThe
last of the self defense basics on this list is to give thought to all these
concepts as often as you can. While most of these are simple, if you
remember them and actually USE them, your chances of becoming a victim
of violence go WAY down.

Realise that YOUR life is worth protecting! If
that doesn't get you motivated (and sadly, I know many people are NOT
very concerned with their own safety), then think about your spouse or
your parents or your children. How will they be affected if you are
killed by a street criminal? How will their lives change if you are no
longer around to love, teach and protect them? If you're not willing to
learn and practice these skills for yourself, DO IT FOR THEM!

Consider Getting Some “Hands On” Self Defense Training

I believe these 10 self defense basics will really help you to stay safe, but I also feel that a short, superficial list can never replace a longer term self defense training. If you’re willing, I would highly recommend you spend a lot more time and energy on this subject.

This website is filled with practical information you can use to further your training in this vital area. Make use of everything here and also consider getting some real, “hands on” self defense training.

Check their website to find out if they offer training in your area. There is only so much you can gain from the “theory” side of self
protection. Who knows, you may even find yourself enjoying the process
and becoming really passionate about it like I am! The self defense
world is truly fascinating.

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